1996
| Currency Rate to USD | 2.51 |
| GDP Per Capita (USD) | 4800 |
| Population (millions) | 20.9 |
| Nasi Lemak Price | RM1.10 |
| Teh Tarik Price | 80 cents |
| Urban Population Percentage | 57.4% |
Mahathir Era
Mahathir Mohamad’s long premiership brought ambitious modernisation: highways, skyscrapers (yes, Petronas Twin Towers), national car (Proton), new administrative centres.
Launch of MEASAT-1 Satellite
The launch of MEASAT-1 on 12 January 1996 represented Malaysia's entry into independent satellite operations, enhancing national communications infrastructure and supporting economic development under Vision 2020.
Establishment of the Multimedia Super Corridor
The Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC), inaugurated on 12 February 1996 by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, was a flagship project to transform Malaysia into a knowledge-based economy, creating a high-tech zone spanning from Kuala Lumpur to Nilai with incentives for ICT innovation and global integration.
Beginning of Bakun Dam Construction, May 1996
The Bakun Dam project in Sarawak, Malaysia, officially began construction in May 1996, marking a significant step in the country's energy infrastructure development amid ambitions for industrialization, though it was fraught with economic, environmental, and social controversies.
Nationwide Power Outage in Peninsular Malaysia 1996
A major blackout on 3 August 1996 affected the entire Peninsular Malaysia due to a cascading failure in the National Grid, highlighting vulnerabilities in the country's rapidly expanding power infrastructure amid economic growth.
1996 Pos Dipang Mudslide
On August 29, 1996, a devastating mudslide struck the Pos Dipang Orang Asli Settlement in Perak, Malaysia, killing at least 44 people and exposing vulnerabilities in indigenous communities amid heavy rains and environmental factors.
Opening of the STAR Light Rail Transit System
The opening of the STAR Light Rail Transit system on 8 September 1996 marked a significant milestone in Malaysia's urban transportation, launching the country's first modern light rail network to combat congestion in the Klang Valley.
Launch of Westports Terminal
The official launch of Westports Terminal on 10 September 1996 marked a pivotal moment in Malaysia's maritime infrastructure development, transforming reclaimed swamplands into a modern multi-cargo facility as part of the Port Klang privatization initiative.
Opening of the Kuala Lumpur Tower
The official inauguration of the Kuala Lumpur Tower on 1 October 1996 represented a key achievement in Malaysia's infrastructure development, establishing the 421-meter structure as a telecommunications hub and tourist landmark in the capital.
Dissolution of Semangat 46
The dissolution of Parti Melayu Semangat 46 in 1996 marked the end of a major Malay opposition party, leading to the reunification of key figures with UMNO and strengthening the Barisan Nasional coalition.
Impact of Tropical Depression Greg in Sabah 1996
In late December 1996, Tropical Depression Greg made landfall in Sabah, Malaysia, causing devastating floods, landslides, and widespread destruction.
